Our society in America today bangs the drum of ‘inclusion’ and this has crept into Christian culture to the point of violating the Bible. Scripture makes it clear that we should NOT include or accept everybody. There are people we are told to avoid. Today we are starting a series of devotionals explaining the types of people the Bible tells believers to avoid. Let’s talk about it.
First up, believers are told to avoid troublemakers who cause divisions between believers or create obstacles for believers to trip over:
17 Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause dissensions and obstacles contrary to the doctrine you have learned. Avoid them, 18 for such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites. They deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words. (Rom 16:17-18)
This passage talks about two specific ways a troublemaker works. First, they create divisions between believers over silly things just to stir up trouble:
9 But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a person is perverted and sins, being self-condemned. (Titus 3:9-11)
A contrary man spreads conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. (Pv 16:28)
23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. (2 Tim 2:23)
Scripture says these people create division through foolish debates, family lines, quarrels, gossip, controversies, or even silly Biblical arguments. Believers are divided by things like politics, sports teams, gossip, being in clicks of people, and lots of other things stirred up by troublemakers. Some people intentionally bring up politics knowing others have a different view on purpose. Others like to be intentionally contrary over anything. These people stir up trouble and division by creating silly arguments or debates. Warn and remind them what they’re doing is wrong and if they don’t listen after a couple of warnings … avoid them (Titus 3:9-11; 2 Tim 2:14).
Second, troublemakers cause division by bringing in doctrinal lies contrary to Scripture. They start silly debates over Biblical points that are not core doctrine, argue over words in Scripture, or even warp Scripture to teach lies. Here’s an example cited in Scripture:
16 But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness. 17 And their word will spread like gangrene; Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them. 18 They have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are overturning the faith of some. (2 Tim 2:16-18)
These types of troublemakers create spiritual stumbling blocks for believers to trip over and also divide believers on Biblical truth. A common example today is homosexuality. There are many ‘believers’ who say it is okay, not a sin, and warp or ignore Scripture to support their position. True believers who are not familiar with Biblical truth might start to believe their lies and a doctrinal division is created between them and the believers who know better. We see this divide today across denominations and individual churches.
God wants unity between His people, but that unity needs to be that of a loving family AND unity in sound doctrine. These troublemakers are not bringing either of those types of unity and it is okay to break ties with them.
Watch out for and avoid people who stir up trouble, arguments, and controversies over silly things. Watch out for and avoid people who create divisions by warping or rejecting Biblical truth.
Think about it
Do you know any ‘believers’ who stir up trouble through silly arguments, by being contrary, or bring up controversial topics?
Have you seen how these troublemakers can cause divisions between people or groups of people?
Do you know ‘believers’ who question or warp God’s Word to justify their position or fit into the world?
Name some ‘foolish’ things in a church people can be divided over.
Name some doctrinal things that separate ‘believers’.
Name some reasons you should avoid divisive people. Do you stir up trouble between people?
BIBLE DEVOTIONS FOR LIVING 